The sins we struggle with today are really no different than the sins
Israel struggled with so often in Scripture. The biggest of them all is
idolatry. Do we seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first or
second or last? The crazy thing is that these idols are traps designed
to destroy us. We think they bring us pleasure, but they are
destroying us. When we choose to be online for hours but can't find
time to read scripture for 10 minutes, we've allowed an idol to set up
in our heart. When we find it easy to eat out several times a week but
can't give ANYthing week after week at church, we've allowed an idol to
set up in our hearts. When we can go to a sporting event and cheer and
shout for our team but we can't stay awake in service we've allowed an
idol to set up in our hearts. When we can watch tv for hours but we
can't show up on a weekend to help pack book bags or food boxes for the
needy, we've allowed an idol to set up in our hearts. When we show all
manners of kindness to our church friends, but we can't speak a kind
word to our children anymore, we've allowed an idol to set up in our
heart. Your children are a calling in your life. God has given them to
you for a Kingdom work. We should never take that lightly. The same
can be said about our marriages. The enemy knows that if he can erect
these idols in us we'll never be positioned to be blessed and even what
we have will be eaten up because of our disobedience. I'm not telling
anyone WHAT they should be giving, I'm simply am saying we should really
be honest with ourselves when we say, "I don't really have anything to
give" and then we turn tail for the nearest McD's, or movie theater, or
next impulsive unnecessary purchase. Is what I'm saying okay? Can I be
honest? We're all adults here, right? I'm kind of an honest person
because it is my hope that every day will be one better than the last
for you. I'm not condemning anyone, this is for me as well as you. I
am simply calling US to be careful for the pitfalls of the enemy.
Idolatry is the beginning of lack and poverty. God doesn't want you to
be in poverty. He desires contentment for you but we must follow his
pattern in order to protect ourselves from the devourer. The pattern is
faithful sacrificial giving. Whatever you give, it has to mean
something to you or it doesn't mean anything. The sin of idolatry and
faithlessness makes us vulnerable to the devourer. Satan is going to
try you either way, faithful or not, BUT he'll be successful when we've
been disobedient! God tells us in Scripture that HE will rebuke the
devourer FOR US when we trust Him and make no idol before Him. When we
seek first the Kingdom and the righteousness of God, then God PROMISES
us that we will have everything we need and be blessed. It simply
requires faith in Him and a determination to have no other Gods before
Him. There is no work that Jesus has done that negates the need for us
to be faithful. This is something you can do because God promises to
help us by showing us again and again that HE is faithful. Lean not to
your own understanding, but trust the Lord. I hope you will be faithful
and blessed for the work God has called you to do and for the live God
wants you to enjoy. You will be blessed!! <3

Welcome To My Blog!

Julie Branstetter, Th.B.

Elm City, Nc

You can find out more about me on the contact page. On this home page you will find some of my most recent posts. This is a general way to follow all of my posts in one place. But you can use the links at the top to narrow down and follow just your interests. I have a RSS Feed on every page so you can follow a specific page or just follow the main page for all the posts. There is something here for everyone; recipes, gardening tips and diy projects, articles on family and parenting, homeschooling resources, ministry articles to encourage and grow your faith in Christ, and so much more. You will also find some great products along the way as well. Have fun reading and trying a few new things. Don't be afraid to communicate and enjoy!